Learning from Locals

Today is Friday the 13th. It is our third full day here in Baja, California. I woke up around 6:50 AM to the cool ocean breeze and the beautiful sound of the waves crashing into the shore. Waking up in a tent, camping on a beach, being surrounded by people I love – how is this day already so perfect? We have only just begun!

We had an amazing two-part breakfast. The second course was avocado toast with beans. I had never thought of this combination – it was delectable! Here’s to trying new things!

After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, we buckled down for our Spanish classes for the next four hours. I pushed myself by learning new content and also by practicing studying a single subject for an extended amount of time. Next up was lunch: fish tacos. Let me preface by saying that I do not eat sea food, at ALL. However, I ate a fish taco! This was a big step for me.

After lunch, we headed off to do service work. We cleaned up glass, trash, plastic, and other waste. We were also able to re-home some cacti, aloe, and other cute plants. We were able to accomplish a good deal with the direction and help of local leaders. We learned more about the community from Don Santiago and Donia Mati, who gave us a very meaningful talk. Don Santiago is a local fisherman who has been living here over 30 years, and he told us the ways of the water. This is important knowledge to have if you want to understand the challenges that face these fisherman. I learned how the ocean impacts every part of daily life for this community. I will remember this talk and carry it with me forever.

As the sun set, we headed back to our temporary oasis. We ate tortilla chip soup followed by banana bread. We finished the night back on the sand dunes where we camped, sat under the stars, and shared everything we were grateful for.

-Syd